Langa invites envoys

Sikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter THE Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Andrew Langa has invited embassies from the African Union Region Five member countries to visit Bulawayo and inspect progress being made in preparation for the region’s Under-20 Games.The Games will be held in various venues in the city from December 4 to 15, with preparations said to be at an advanced stage ahead of the handing over of the facilities to the regional organising committee by September 30.

“I met them (ambassadors) and appraised them on the progress being made, just to update them on the state of preparedness as a country. I also invited them to feel free to visit Bulawayo and inspect the various venues to see the progress being done there,” said Minister Langa.

He said he also urged the ambassadors to attend the official opening of the Games on December 6, at Barbourfields Stadium.

“I must say that I was impressed when almost 90 percent of the ambassadors told me that their countries have since fully registered for the Games with Angola much more excited since they are the next hosts in 2016,” Minister Langa said.

Meanwhile, the local organising committee’s marketing committee has opened a Facebook page for the Games as part of its marketing drive.

Head of marketing Kennedy Ndebele said social media was now a strong and serious marketing tool that could not be ignored and with a largely young crop being the biggest users, they hoped the move would create interest among youths.

“We want to urge the youths to like our Facebook page where they will get all the updates about these Games,” said Ndebele.

The Loc head of marketing also urged local youths to apply for the 1,100 volunteer jobs that will be available during the two-week extravaganza.